Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro
Destination

Luxury travel in Brazil

Rio’s coastline, Iguazú’s thunder and the wildlife of the Pantanal.

Plan a Brazil Journey
Rio de Janeiro
Iguazú Falls (Foz do Iguaçu)
Introduction

Brazil at a glance

Brazil is the size of a continent, and the best journeys focus on two or three regions rather than trying to see everything. Rio de Janeiro and Iguazú pair easily, and the Pantanal or the Amazon add an unforgettable wildlife chapter.

Why visit

  • Rio de Janeiro, a city of beaches, forested mountains and music.
  • The Pantanal, one of the best places in the world to see jaguars in the wild.
  • The Brazilian side of Iguazú, with sweeping panoramic views across the falls.
Signature experiences

Private moments in Brazil

  • An early-morning private visit to Corcovado
  • Jaguar-tracking by boat in the northern Pantanal
  • A boat day among the islands of Paraty Bay
  • A helicopter flight over Iguazú Falls, subject to operation
Best time to visit

When to go, month by month

Rio is warm all year; December to March is the hottest, most humid and wettest period. The Pantanal is best for wildlife in the dry season, roughly July to October. Iguazú flows all year and is typically fullest after the summer rains.

RegionJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovNowDec
Rio de JaneiroJanuary: VariableFebruary: VariableMarch: GoodApril: IdealMay: IdealJune: IdealJuly: IdealAugust: IdealSeptember: IdealOctober: IdealNovember: GoodDecember: Variable
The PantanalJanuary: Off seasonFebruary: Off seasonMarch: Off seasonApril: VariableMay: GoodJune: GoodJuly: IdealAugust: IdealSeptember: IdealOctober: IdealNovember: VariableDecember: Off season
The Amazon (Manaus)January: GoodFebruary: GoodMarch: GoodApril: GoodMay: GoodJune: GoodJuly: IdealAugust: IdealSeptember: IdealOctober: IdealNovember: IdealDecember: Good
Iguazú FallsJanuary: VariableFebruary: VariableMarch: GoodApril: IdealMay: IdealJune: IdealJuly: IdealAugust: IdealSeptember: IdealOctober: IdealNovember: GoodDecember: Variable
  • Ideal
  • Good
  • Variable
  • Off season

A general guide to typical conditions; weather varies from year to year.

Good to know

  • Allow at least three nights in Rio to see the main sights without rushing.
  • Foz do Iguaçu is a short flight from Rio or São Paulo.
  • Visa rules for Brazil differ by nationality and have changed in recent years; check current requirements before travelling.
FAQs

Brazil: your questions

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for visitors?

Like any large city, it calls for sensible precautions. We arrange private transfers and guides and advise on neighbourhoods.

Should I choose the Amazon or the Pantanal?

For wildlife sightings the open Pantanal is usually more rewarding; the Amazon offers the forest and river experience. Both are possible in one trip.

When is Carnival?

Carnival takes place in February or early March, before Lent. Dates change each year and hotels book up well in advance.

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